Collating machine



6 H. M. PEKQVSKY CQLLATING MACHINE Sheet 4 015 Filed May 16, 1966 m m VW HERMAN M. PEKOVSKY Feb. 4, 1969 H. M. PEKOVSKY 3,425,532

COLLATING MACHINE Filed may 16, 1966 Sheet 2 of 5 AVVE/V/Ofi. HERMAN M.PEKOVSKY ATTQP/VEYJI H. M. PEKOVSKY Feb. 4, 1969 COLLATING MACHINE SheetFiled May 16, 1966 mum/rm. HERMAN M. PEKOVSKY ATTO/FA/EKQ United StatesPatent 9 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A collating machinecomprising a fixed frame and movable carriage, and having pneumaticsheet engaging and lifting means on the carriage, wherein the carriageand pneumatic means are sequentially and automatically operated in timedrelation so that the pneumatic means lift individual sheets fromrespective stacks. A primary motor provides movement of the carriage,and a secondary motor, on the carriage, provides positive movement ofthe pneumatic means into engagement with the sheets. An actuator meansfor the carriage comprises a timer means, a drive motor coupled to thecarriage for moving the same, and responsive to the timer means foractivating the drive motor.

This invention relates to machines for collating sheet materialsoriginally disposed in diverse stacks. More particularly, this inventionrelates to machines whereby diverse piles of sheet material such ascarbon paper, tissue, coated stock, parchment and other types of glossyor rough finished papers may be taken from homogeneous stacks and placedin a single stack in a desired order.

Many of the commonly used duplicating processes yield stacks of likepapers. Thus, to form complete pamphlets, memoranda, etc., it isnecessary to draw individual pages from separate stacks and place themin ordered or collated piles. Heretofore, several machines for collatingsheet materials have been proposed. See, for example, Patent 3,035,832.Such machines, however, rely heavily on relatively complex mechanicallinkages, including drive chains, sprocket wheels, complex gear trains,and reversing electric motors. Such apparatus is characteristicallynoisy in operation, as well as troublesome to adjust and maintain.

Accordingly, the present invention is a novel and unobvious collatingmachine, which represents a clear advance in the art in that it providesa drive mechanism far simpler than any heretofore proposed. Thus, thepresent novel and unobvious collating machine makes use of a motorrotating in a single direction, and an exceedingly simple mechanicallinkage whereby maintenance problems and excessive noise are overcome.Moreover, the present invention contemplates the use of a novel meansfor compensating for the diminution of the respective homogeneousstacks. Thus, with prior art machines, the decrease in the size of thestacks with continued operation has created difficulties, specifically,unreliable pick-up of the lowermost sheets. The present inventionovercomes all such difficulties by using a suction nozzle, and a novelspring-urged arrangement for pressing the nozzle into proper contact,regardless of the size of the stack.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a novelcollating machine for sheet materials.

It is another object of this invention to provide a novel collatingmachine which is simpler and quieter than those heretofore known.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a novelcollating machine whose operation is unaffected by the size of theindividual stacks to be collated.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in thedrawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood,however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangementsand instrumentalities shown.

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of the novel collating machine ofthe present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a front elevation view of the novel machine of the presentinvention.

FIGURE 3 is a rear elevation view of the novel collating machine,

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 44 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 5 is a partial sectional view showing certain structural detailsof the present invention.

FIGURE 6 is a further view showing a portion of the novel sheet liftingmeans of the present invention.

FIGURE 7 is a partial sectional view taken along the line 7-7 in FIGURE7.

FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle of the presentinvention.

FIGURE 9 is a detailed view taken along the line 99 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 10 is a side elevation view of the structure shown in FIGURE 9.

FIGURE 11 is a schematic view of an electrical circuit, which forms apart of the present invention.

FIGURE 12 is a detailed view taken along the line 12-12 in FIGURE 1.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicatelike elements, there is seen in FIG- URES 1 to 3 a collating machinedesignated generally by the reference numeral 10. The collating machine10 includes a generally rectangular base 12, supported by a set ofcaster wheels 14. Secured to respective corners of the base are uprightmembers 16. Inwardly facing channel members 18 are supported by adjacentupright members 16 on the respective sides of the machine 10. The base12, channel members 18, and parts rigid therewith may be referred togenerally as the frame of the machine. Shelves 20 are slidably receivedby the channel members 18. As is apparent from FIGURES 3 and 4, aback-up device 21, the purpose of which will be more fully describedlater, is adjustably mounted on the shelf 20.

A carriage 22 is supported on the channels 18. As is perhaps best seenin FIGURES 4 to 6, the carriage 22 comprises vertically disposedportions 24 on opposite sides of the machine, interconnected by fixedtransverse rods 26. A pivotable rod 28 has its respective ends journaledin the vertical portions 24. A bushing 29 is mounted on the rod 28, andretained in position by a collar or the like, not numbered. It is to beunderstood that the bushings 29 are in engagement with respective uppersurfaces of alternate channels 18. A guide portion 30, which may takethe form of 'an elongated rod, is fixedly secured to respective uprightmembers 16 parallel to the channels 18. As is perhaps best seen in-FIGURE 10, the vertical portions 24 of the carriage 22 have guideportions 32, generally complemental to the guide portions 30, at theirrespective lower ends. The pivotable rods 28 support suction heads,designated generally by the reference numeral 34, in a manner to befully described below.

A shelf 38 is secured to the lower end of one of vertical portions 24. Adrive motor 36 is suppoited by the shelf 38. It is to be understood thatthe motor 36, through a mechanical linkage to be more fully describedlater, causes movement of the suction heads 34 into contact with therespective upper sheets of stacks placed on the shelves 20.

A vacuum source, designated generally by the numeral 40, and which maytake the form of an electrically driven blower, is in communication witha manifold 42, best seen in FIGURES 1 and 3. A plurality of flexibleconduits, which are advantageousl of the metal-clad type, place themanifold 42 in fluid communication with the individual suction heads 34.

Referring now to FIGURES 1, 9 and 10, there is seen the linkage wherebythe motor 36 drives the suction heads 34. The shelf 38 includes anupstanding bracket 46, on which a gear box 48 is fixedly mounted. Theoutput shaft of the motor 36 is in driving engagement with the gear box48. A crank 50 is fixed to the output shaft of the gear box 48. A secondcrank 52 ispivotably secured to a distal end of the crank 50 by a pivotpin 54. A distal end of the crank 52 is pivotably secured to a bearingblock 56 by a pivot pin 58. A vertically disposed rod 60 is connected atits lower end portion to the bearing block 56. A microswitch, thepurpose of which will be more fully explained later, is fixed to thebracket 46 and positioned to be contacted by the bearing block 56 whenthe bearing block is in a selected position. As is best seen in FIGURE1, crank arms 64 are fixedly secured to ends of the pivot able rods 28.The crank arms 64 are pivotably and slidably secured at their respectivedistal ends to spaced points on the vertically disposed rods 60. Thus,vertical movements of the rod 60 result in rotation of the respectivecrank arm 64 and pivotable rods 28 through like angles.

Referring now to FIGURES 1 and 12, there is seen a means whereby thecarriage 22 is made to move forwardly and rearwardly with respect to theframe of the machine 10. Thus, secured to a portion of the frame is amain drive motor 66. The drive motor 66 drives an arm 68, which includesa roller bearing 70 at its distal end. The roller bearing 70 isrollingly received in a transverse track 72, secured to the carriage 22.Thus, actuation of the drive motor 66 causes rotation of the arm 68.Upon rotation of the arm 68, the roller 70 transverses the track 72, andcarriage 22 undergoes translation rearwardly and then forwardly withrespect to the frame. One-half revolution of the motor 66 takes thecarriage 22 from its forwardmost to its rearwardmost position.

It should be apparent that contact between the bushings 29 and the uppersurfaces of the channels 18 tends to minimize friction between themoving carriage and the fixed frame. Also, it should be apparent thatthe guide portions 30 and 32 tend to keep the carriage in propervertical disposition with respect to the frame.

A novel and unobvious aspect of the present invention is the manner inwhich the respective motors are controlled, and operated sequentially tobring about the desired mode of operation. Thus, there is seen in FIGURE11 a schematic view of the novel control circuit which forms a part ofthe present invention. A timer motor 76 is placed in series with a twoposition switch 74. Actuation of the switch 74 is effective to start thetimer motor 76. The timer motor 76 includes a switch actuator 78indicated diagrammatically as a cam 78. It should be understood,however, that any well-known actuator means may be used. The cam 78 iseffective to momentarily close a switch 80. Closing of the switch 80 iseffective to complete a circuit through the main drive motor 66. Placedin series relation with the main drive motor 66 is a cam actuated switch86. It should be understood that the main drive motor 66 is effective torotate a cam 84 which closes the cam actuated switch 86 against the biasof a spring, not shown. The cam 84 is so designed that the cam actuatedswitch 86 is closed, except when the drive motor 66 is in positionscorresponding to the forwardmost and rearwardmost positions of thecarriage 22. Alternatively, a pair of cams, angularly spaced apart by180 degrees may be used. Thus, it is seen that closing of the switch 74causes the timer motor 76 to rotate, thereby momentarily closing thetimer motor actuated microswitch 80. Such closing is effective to startthe main drive motor 66, which then, in

effect, maintains its own circuit due to the closing of the cam actuatedswitch 86. Accordingly, when the main drive motor 66 has completed onehalf revolution, and the carriage has recahed its rearwardmost position,reopening of the cam actuated switch 86 causes stoppage of the motor 66.Forward movement of the carriage is initiated by a second momentaryclosing of the timer motor actuated microswitch 80. In series with motor36 is a carriage actuated microswitch 88. The last-mentioned switchcloses in response to location of the carriage 22 a predetermineddistance away from its forwardmost position. In series with the carriageactuated microswitch 88 are normally closed relay operated switch 90 andthe motor 36. It is apparent, therefore, that when the motor 66 causestranslation of the carriage 22 a predetermined distance from itsrearwardmost position, a circuit including the motor 36 is closed, and adownward and upward cycle of the suction heads 34 is begun.

The above-mentioned vacuum source 40 advantageously takes the form of acontinuously operating vacuum pump. Thus, the vacuum source 40 is bestcontrolled by a separate off-on switch, independently of the carriage orsuction head controls. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however,that at various points in the cycle of operation it is desirable to cutoff suction at the suction heads 34. There is seen in FIGURE 11 a simpleand reliable means whereby this may be accomplished. Thus, the motor 66drives a cam member 94, diagrammatically shown in the figures, whichserves as an actuator for a valve 96 in communication with the manifold42. The valve 96 serves as a vent, and permits the flow of ambient airinto the vacuum system, thereby nullifying the effect of the vacuumsource 40. Accordingly, when the valve 96 is actuated, no suction iscreated at the suction heads 34. Although it is shown in the figure tobe directly actuated by the cam 94, those skilled in the art willrecognize that an electrical solenoid, responsive to the cam 94 could beused to equal advantage.

Referring now to FIGURES 5 to 8, there is seen the means whereby thesuction heads 34 are secured to the pivotable rods 28, which constitutesyet another novel and unobvious aspect of the present invention. Spacedblocks 98 are permanently secured, as by welding, to each pivotable rod28. A bracket 100 is secured to each block 98 by bolts 102. The bracket100 includes a U-shaped medial portion 104, which straddles the flexibleconduit 44. A flat leaf spring 106 is clamped between the conduit 44 andthe blocks 98. As is best seen in FIGURE 8, the conduit 44 includes aninner flexible tube 108 of elastomeric material. It should be understoodthat tube 108 is advantageously of relatively great flexibility. Also,the tube 108 is advantageously provided with internal reinforcementmeans, such as a metal spiral member 110. A rigid metal tube is receivedin an open end of the tube 108. The metal tube 112 includes at itsremote end a disc 113 of plastic or other material and having a portiondefining an orifice 114. A flexible cup 116 of elastomeric materialsurrounds the end of the rigid metal tube 112. It is to be understoodthat the flexible cup 116 is of sufficient flexibility and resilience toconform to slight irregularities and textural features of the sheets tobe collated. The tube 108 and cup 116 define a suction nozzle.

Referring again to FIGURES 5 and 6, it is seen that the distal end ofthe leaf spring 106, in its unflexed condition, curves downwardly intocontact with the tube 108. It is apparent that rotation of the shaft 28is effective to move the flexible cup 116 downwardly into contact withthe uppermost sheet of the stack. The leaf spring 106 provides a stablebacking for the flexible cup 116, and insures proper contact with thesheet. As is best seen in phantom in FIGURE 6, the degree of rotation ofthe shaft 28 is such that even when the stack has been substantiallyexhausted, the leaf spring 106 is flexed into a reverse position priorto lifting of the suction head. Accordingly, the flexible cup 116 isforced into air sealing contact with the surface of the sheet,regardless of the size of the stack and the texture of the material.

As is apparent from the drawings, the channels 18, and consequently theshelves slope downwardly toward the rear of the machine. Such anarrangement causes the individual sheets of the respective stacks toslide rearwardly into contact with the back-up device 21. Thus, theindividual stacks tend to remain in neat piles and in proper positionfor lifting by the suction heads 34. It should be noted that the back-updevice 21 is adjustable along the shelf 20, thereby providing for sheetsof different sizes. It is to be understood that the present collatingmachine may be used to equal advantage in making straight or crossedcollated stacks. Thus, in order to conveniently form a cross collatedstack, the stacks on adjacent shelves 20 are oriented in crossedrelation. It should be noted that the use of two suction heads with eachshelf permits collation of small or large sheets. Thus, large sheets aresupported in a relatively stable manner by each of the spaced suctionheads 34, while small sheets may be lifted by a single suction head 34.

In view of the foregoing, the operation of the applicants novelcollating machine is believed obvious. Thus, in operation, theuncollated stacks are first placed on the shelves 20 in the order inwhich it is desired they appear in the final collated stack. It isunderstood that the carriage 22 at this point is in its forwardmostposition, and the suction heads 34 are in a raised position. Theoperator stands facing the front of the machine 10. Ideally, a worktable 118 is secured to the front of the machine, and provides aconvenient flat surface upon which the collated stacks may be collected.Also, the underside of the work table 118 provides a convenient placefor mounting of the timer motor 76 and other operative elements of themachine. For example, as seen in FIGURE 2, the off-on switch 74 isplaced on the right side of the forward edge of the work table 118. Aswitch 120, which serves as an off-on switch for the vacuum source 40 isalso located on the front edge of the work table 118. When it is desiredto start the operative cycle of the machine, the switches 74 and 120 areplaced in the on position. Closing of the switch 74 causes the timermotor 76 to begin rotation. The timer motor 76 momentarily closes theswitch 80 to begin rotation of the main drive motor 66; The initialrotation of the drive motor 66 is effective to close the switch 86.Rotation of the main drive motor 66 moves the carriage 22 rearwardly.

Movement of the carriage 22 rearwardly causes closing of the carriageactuated microswitch 88. Closing of the switch 88 completes a circuit tothe motor 36, thereby beginning a cycle of movement of the suction heads34. Also, as the carriage 22 reaches its rearward position, the valve 96is closed, thereby applying suction to the suction heads 34.Consequently, air pressure is effective to adhere the sheets to theflexible cups 116 upon contact.

The timing of the cycle is such that the carriage 22 begins its returnmotion to its forwardmost position as the suction heads 34 begin tolift. Forward movement of the carriage is initiated by a secondmomentary closing of the timer motor actuated microswitch 80. Thus, asthe carriage 22 advances, the uppermost sheet of each stack is raisedfrom the stack, and brought to a position in which it protrudes beyondthe front of the machine. The operator can then successively remove thesheets, thereby obtaining a finished collated stack, actuation of valve96 cuts off suction when carriage 22 reaches its forwardmost position.

As the motor 36 completes a revolution, the bearing block 56 closes themicroswitch 62, thereby energizing the latching relay coil 92 andopening the switch 90. Opening of the switch 90 stops the motor 36.Forward movement of the carriage 22 is effective to open the carriageactuated microswitch 88, which causes deenergization of the latchingrelay coil 92, and closing, once again, of the switch 90. As the motor66 completes a revolution, the cam 84 permits opening of the camactuated switch 86, thereby stopping the motor. Also, the cam 94 opensthe valve 96, thereby shutting off the suction at the suction heads 34.If the switch 74 is still in its on position the timer motor 76continues to run, and the cycle repeats. In this regard, it should benoted that movement of the carriage 22 so as to close the carriageactuated microswitch 88 results in a closed circuit to the motor 36. Theinitial flow of current is such that the motor 36 begins rotation,thereby moving the bearing block 56 and permitting opening of themicroswitch 62. Thus, the latching relay coil does not preventre-starting of the motor 36.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention,which uses motors rotating in a single direction, comprises a controlsystem far simpler than many previously known. It should be understoodthat the main drive motor 66 may be hereinafter referred to a a primarymotor, and the motor 36 as a secondary motor.

The present invention may be embodied] in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and,accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, ratherthan to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of theinvention.

I claim:

1. A collating (machine comprising a frame, a plurality of verticallyaligned shelves supported by said frame, a carriage supported by saidframe for forward and rearward reciprocatory movement with respect tosaid frame, sheet engaging means coupled to said carriage, said sheetengaging means including a plurality of suction heads, each head beingoperatively associated with one shelf, a plurality of transverselydisposed rotatable shafts on said carriage, a motor on said carriage,means drivingly coupling said motor on said carriage to said shafts,said means drivingly coupling said motor on said carriage to said shaftscomprising crank arms fixedly secured to said shafts, a reciprocable rodmember pivotably and slidably secured to said crank arms and in drivenengagement with said motor on said carriage so that rotation of saidmotor causes oscillation of said shaft, said suction heads being securedto said shafts, and actuator means. for said carriage, said actuatormeans comprising timer means, a drive motor drivingly coupled to saidcarriage to effect the movement of said carriage, means responsive tosaid timer means for actuating said drive motor, and means forintermittently stopping said drive motor.

2. A collating machine in accordance with claim 1 wherein each of saidsuction heads comprises a flexible conduit in communication with avacuum source, a nozzle secured to said conduit and adapted to engage asheet of material to be collated, bracket means securing a portion ofsaid conduit to one of said transversely disposed shafts for oscillationtherewith, and a leaf spring disposed between said conduit and saidshafts for biasing said nozzle to a downward position.

3. A collating machine comprising a frame, a plurality of shelvessupported by said frame and adapted to support stacks of sheet material,a carriage supported by said frame for forward and rearward movement andhaving sheet engaging means coupled thereto, said carriage having aninitial forward position in which said sheet engaging means are in araised position with respect to said sheets and a second positionrearwardly of said initial position in which said sheet engaging meansare in contact with the uppermost of said sheets, an actuator for saidcarriage said actuator comprising a timer means, a primary motor, meansdrivingly coupling said primary motor to said carriage, means responsiveto said timer means for actuating said primary motor. a secondary motormovable with said carriage for moving said sheet engaging means fromsaid raised position to said position in. contact with the uppermostsheet and then to said raised position,

means responsive to the position of said carriage for actuating saidsecondary motor, means for stopping said secondary motor when said sheetengaging means are returned to said raised position, and meansresponsive to the position of said primary motor for stopping saidprimary motor at a position corresponding to the initial position ofsaid carriage.

4. A collating machine in accordance with claim 3 wherein said timermeans comprises a timer motor, said means responsive to said timer meanscomprising a first, normally open, cam-operated electrical switch, and asecond, cam-operated electrical switch, said second cam-operatedelectrical switch being closed in all positions other than positions ofsaid primary motor corresponding to the initial position of saidcarriage and a rearward position of said carriage. said secondcam-operated electrical switch being in parallel relation with saidfirst cam-operated electrical switch and in series with said primarymotor, said first cam-operated electrical switch being normally open,said timer motor being effective to momentarily close said firstcam-operated electrical switch.

5. A collating machine in accordance with claim 4, including meansresponsive to the position of said carriage for actuating said secondarymotor, said last-mentioned means comprising an electrical switch inseries relation with said secondary motor, said means for stopping saidsecondary motor comprising a normally open electrical switch and alatching relay, said latching relay and said normally open switch beingin series relation with each other and in parallel relation to saidsecondary motor, said latching relay being effective to open saidelectrical switch in series relation with said secondary motor, andmeans driven by said secondary motor for closing said nonmally openswitch.

6. A collating machine in accordance with claim 4, wherein said sheetengaging means comprises a plurality of suction heads, each of saidsuction heads comprising a flexible conduit in communication with avacuum source, a nozzle secured to said conduit and adapted to engage asheet of material to be collated, a rotatable shaft on said carriage andcoupled to said secondary motor, bracket means securing a portion ofsaid conduit to said shaft for rotation therewith, and a leaf springdisposed between said bracket and said shaft in underlying relation tosaid bracket, and at least a portion of said leaf spring being disposedadjacent said nozzle to bias said nozzle to a downward position.

7. A collating machine in accordance with claim 6, and means responsiveto the position of said primary motor for applying suction to saidsuction heads as said suction heads approach said position in contactwith the uppermost sheet and for shutting ofi said suction when saidsuction heads reach said raised position.

8. A collating machine comprising a frame, a plurality of verticallyaligned shelves supported by said frame, a carriage supported by saidframe for forward and rearward reciprocatory movement with respect tosaid frame, sheet engaging means coupled to said carriage, said sheetengaging means including a plurality of suction heads movably coupled tosaid carriage, each head being juxtaposed to and operatively associatedwith one shelf, actuator means for said carriage adapted to move saidcarriage with respect to said frame, a secondary motor on said carriage,means drivingly coupling said secondary motor to said suction heads formoving said suction heads toward and away from said shelves, and meansresponsive to the position of said carriage with respect to said framefor actuating said secondary motor.

9. A collating machine in accordance with claim 8 wherein said actuatormeans for said carriage comprises timer means, a drive motor, meansdrivingly coupling said drive motor to said carriage to move saidcarriage, and means responsive to said timer means for actuating saiddrive motor.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,504,256 8/ 1924 Marcuson 270582,389,066 11/1945 Leifer 27058 3,122,363 2/1964 Thomas 27058 3,208,7459/1965 March 270-58 JEROME SCHNALL, Primary Examiner.

P. V. WILLIAMS, Assistant Examiner.

